Guest Reviews

Villa Song Saigon: "Perfect end to a fantastic trip"

"What a perfect way to end a fantastic trip to a fantastic country. The riverside setting is an ideal way to relax after the hustle & bustle of the city. We were warmly greeted by the ever so friendly staff who, once again put other countries to shame with their 'can do' attitude where nothing is too much trouble for the guests staying here. We were lucky to get a complimentary upgrade to a villa room with balcony overlooking the pool and can recommend this type of room. The bathroom was a little small to be honest but as we spent our time in the city, the bathroom becomes immaterial as you just use it to shower after all. We had dinner at the waters edge on the 1st night and Kevin (the chef) took his time to explain the dishes and the best wine pairing - spot on Kevin! The setting is so relaxing and even romantic and with great food makes it a perfect end to the day. The breakfasts are plentiful and fresh, and eaten either at the riverside or in the air conditioned restaurant. A platter of fresh fruit, freshly squeezed fruit juice, coffee and your choice from the menu - I chose the full English and the eggs benedict during our stay and they were a great start to the day of exploration of Ho Chi Minh City. The water taxi runs about every couple of hours and is a 20 minute adventure to the city where you feel like royalty cruising up the river in the speedboat. This is a free ride and well worth the experience rather than sitting in a taxi. The last boat back is 7pm which gives you enough time in the city to explore the numerous happy hour cocktail lounges after the heat & humidity of the day. Back to the hotel review......staff were amazing and very attentive and the hotel manager even had one of his staff accompany us to the optician to translate for us as my wife wanted to buy prescription sunglasses - the hotel service was second to none. The complimentary mini bar is so welcomed after a hard days shopping that you forget about the amount of dong that you couldn't seem to get rid of on your shopping excursion - everything is so cheap! The mini bar has water, soft drinks and a couple of beers to relax on the balcony with as you watch the sunset over the city. We were allowed to keep our room on our last day until we left for the airport at 4pm which was great as we could use the pool then get showered without having to sit around waiting, and again, this was free of charge even though the hotel was preparing for a special event that evening. Nothing was too much trouble. A thoroughly recommended hotel just far enough away from the city, set in a very tranquil, riverside location where everything was just about perfect (I know I've used that word many times but the hotel deserves it)"

MesaStila: "Excellent, Friendly Resort"

"It's a village so it's not in the middle of town but absolutely worth finding. From the time you check in, until you finally have to hand back the key, MesaStila pampers you up & down, in & out. The staff at the resort were the friendliest has we ever encountered. Everyone from the greeter at the gate, the check in staff, restaurant wait staff and spa/pool staff were so welcoming. Up and down the hills, the team will help you get around in their activities. Hiking, coffee plantation, yoga and various activities are available to tire you out. Go ahead and get tired. The room was beautiful, clean and very comfortable Room amenities include the robes and sundries you'd expect in a property of this calibre so it ends up being the staff that makes MesaStila such a great place to stay. It was a very relaxing trip and we will definitely be back! cheers!"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "A Little Piece of Heaven"

My husband and I just spent 3 nights at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. I wish we could have stayed another several days. The lodge is on a warm river which is delightful for swimming. The tent rooms are spacious, each with it's own private bath, complete with double sinks. The beds are comfortable. It is very quiet and the sunsets and night skies are awesome to see. Anna, the manager/owner is a wonderfully warm person, she learned our names immediately and checked in on us often to see if we needed anything. There are a number of day trips that one can do, we did the "Lost in the Mangroves" and the "Fireflies" excursions. We thoroughly enjoyed both. The staff are very friendly and do a great job. This is "glamping" at it's best! We especially appreciated the fact that the Lodge is doing a ton to support the local community (employment, sustainable tourism, educating the youth about the importance of nature, helping to build a new school building, recycling plastics and numerous other projects). We'd go back in a heartbeat! Thank you 4 Rivers Floating Lodge for a wonderful time...

Le Passe-Temps: "A gem, timeless, perfect for a honeymoon"

The Pastime is our great discovery this year. Cozy, well located, with stunning views over the bay of Krabi, we were more than happy with my husband to a stage at Olivier and Kiet, the owners of Hobby, for a few days during our honeymoon. Their welcome was exemplary and friendly, the rooms are decorated with taste, the food is delicious and the proposed activities are varied, reasonably priced. The place is suitable also for great encounters with other travelers around an evening cocktail. In short, a little paradise that it was very difficult to leave! One thing is sure, if we go back to Thailand, we will not fail to iron home ..

Rachamankha: "Lovely romantic getaway"

We had a lovely stay at Rachamankha! The food at the restaurant is wonderful- the included breakfasts are really a treat to start your day. The hotel itself is beautifully decorated and landscaped. Rooms are spacious and airy with high ceilings. It's easy to spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool or in the library just soaking it all in. The location is also quite good- easy to walk around and see the sights. Would definitely stay here again!

Golden Buddha Beach Resort: "Total paradise and relaxation exceeding expectations"

"This was our first visit to this amazing resort. The journey there, from the welcoming sign at the airport, to a quick efficient drive to our boat to the bay, exceeded our expectations. The arrival view was mesmerising: a wide open bay with a vast long sandy beach with a little hut for lunchtime and a yoga sala, and of course dense nature. Massi, the manager, embodied true professionalism. He welcomed us to our beautiful house Baan Tamarind and gave us thorough details about the resort's amenities. Our house was beyond our expectations. With two stunning bedrooms both with an amazing view of the sea, and stunningly designed outdoor bathrooms, we also had an amazing living space upstairs as a canope amongst trees with a sunset view everyday! The food was probably the peak of the stay. The Club House has been renovated in a spacious way that makes you feel at home away from the busy city life. There is a new menu EVERYDAY (something rare in the hotel industry where after a few days, you run out of culinary options) with completely different meals - each very distinct and deliciously made at defying prices for the quality. The staff constantly walks around with smiles on their faces and are always available if you have an inquiry. The morning buffet and cooked meals are my favorite. You get to sit outside or inside (your choice, although I recommend outside due to the beautiful sea view) and make your own freshly squeezed juice. They have an amazing tea selection and of course the fruits are exquisite. I specially recommend their Thai omelette with rice - a must have during your stay, truly a taste of Thailand! I cannot describe the joy I felt when going to get massages. Porn and Poy are possibly the kindest ladies and although they may seem gentle based on their graciousness, their hands work wonders. I have had back problems for quite some time and honestly, felt rejuvenated every time I came out of the massage sala! The Thai massage is a must. In all, the hotel was anything I could have asked for. You are truly immersed in nature, at night hearing the strangest most relaxing sounds from this rich ecosystem to walking on their vast empty white sand beach with a light breeze brushing against you in the bright sun. Room Tip: Sea front views are the most rewarding due to the proximity to the beach and stunning view!"

MesaStila: "A Mountainous Trip to Paradise"

"MesaStila is a hidden gem, the grounds are incredible and exceeded all our exceptions, The staff were willing to help us at every turn. This is a must of those looking to get away from it all, explore the grounds, enjoy many activities available, relax by the pool. Hire a guide and head to a waterfall where you will walk thru villages and experience central java at its best. This property is a must - its perfect for stopping and remembering how calm life can be without the hassle and bustle. I urge everyone to go here. Just note if you are travelling in a large group as we were (8A 9C) pre order lunches and dinners as it can take a while to get your meal. "

Rachamankha: "Lovely Calm and Inviting"

We stayed three nights at the Rachamanhka and loved it. The room was spacious and we were by the lovely tranquil pool. It was so quiet we felt we were at our own private retreat. Paul the manager was most accommodating to our group and recommended the best restaurant which we were very grateful for. The entire staff was very welcoming

Jings Residence: "Boutique hotel with real Chinese character"

This is a great boutique hotel in the heart of historic Pingyao. The staff are very enthusiastic and keen to please, though the standard of English is not the same as in the bigger tourist centres in China. The rooms are around a courtyard and have been well designed: they retain a lot of original features but have modern plumbing, wifi access and other conveniences. Very nice dinner served with some style. Thoroughly recommended.

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Dreamlike"

"Enchanting - beyond excellent. Wonderful staff and food; special thanks to George Ranjan and Luna. Only slight disappointment was that the mountains were obscured by mist for most of the time, unusually for November."